DESPITE a wet start, the Southport Flower Show was hailed as "the best yet" as it came to a close yesterday.

Torrential rain and muddy grounds failed to deter the crowds at the 75th anniversary event in Victoria Park, leading organisers to declare the show a huge success.

Downpours on the opening day saw visitor numbers dwindle, but with the weather finally improving on Saturday and Sunday, organisers are hopeful that they have hit the target number of 100,000 people through the gates.

Chief executive Mark Michlemore told the Daily Post: "Thankfully we've had very good weather this weekend and this has been reflected in the visitor numbers.

"We've had probably 15 or 20% more covered area at the showground this year, so even though numbers were down the first couple of days, people could take shelter and therefore tended to stay longer. "

This year's event was the first time the show has run over four days instead of the usual three.

The number of exhibition stands also increased, with more than a million blooms being featured at the 34-acre showground, including 18 outdoor gardens, and 1,800 amateur displays.

The increase paid off, and traders reported bumper business, with sales up around 20% on last year.

Best sellers proved to be Rudbekia, Crocosmia and varieties of grasses, many of which sold out.

Mr Michelmore added: "The traders seemed really pleased with the new layout and have reported good sales, so it's been a terrific week for all.

"It's a special year for us being the 75th anniversary and a huge amount of work has gone into it.

"I'm really very pleased with how things have gone, it's been a great success all round."

Show patron Sir David Bellamy also declared the show a hit.

He said: "I have had a great two days and one of the greatest things would have been the families. From mums and dads, teenagers and toddlers, everyone has really enjoyed themselves at one of the best flower shows I have seen.

"Come rain or shine, I'll always be at the Southport Flower Show."

Celebrity guest, gardening

journalist Nigel Colborn added: "Southport Flower Show has its own unique character.

"Unlike all the other major flower shows, it has all the charm of the old style village shows, with its plant competitions, but combined with the excellence of the large professional nurseries.

"It is a wonderful horticultural experience."

Other special guests in attendance included former BBC royal reporter Jennie Bond, and horticultural experts Roddy Llewellyn and Chris Beardshaw.

Organisers are now in consultation with traders and exhibitors in a bid to make next year's event bigger and better.

A spokesperson said: "We're full of some great ideas for next year and can't wait to put them into practise."